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Calling all Vandersteen Fans

A little over a year ago I owned he 1Cis for a short time. While I enjoyed many aspects of the speaker, I found their top-end was a bit ripe and sibilant, with multiple amps. I ended up having to attenuate the treble by 1.5db in order to enjoy them at all.

Lately I've been thinking about how well those speakers produced a realistic decay of instruments, the likes of which I haven't encountered in any other speakers. I'm wanting to give Vandersteens another chance and am considering the 2CE SigIIs, however, it appears they and the 3As have the same tweeter as the 1Cis. That and the measurements in the Stereophile review give me pause. I suppose it could be that I didn't allow the 1Cis enough break-in, or that I was actually hearing upper midrange distortion from their 8" midbass driver

I'm soliciting input from those very familiar with the brand. Would you say the 2 Sig IIs produce a warmer balance than the 1Cis? Do they in-fact share the same exact tweeter? 

Is a 100 watt/ch amp enough to drive 2CEs to satisfying levels in a 26×15' room?








helomech
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
05-17-2019 11:26am
I use an Ayre AX5/20 with built in cross over. 

Off topic: I thought you moved on from the Ayre? I love my AX-5 Twenty, probably the best piece I will ever own. I decided I couldn't wait to save for Treo CTs and bought used Thiel CS2.4SEs. I have since replaced everything from the binding posts to XOs to driver hookup wire (under the tutelage of Tom Thiel, Jim's brother). I am *super* happy.
Somewhat on topic: After break-in on my 2CeSig IIs, the midrange remained somewhat veiled. I was using a single run of Cardas Neutral Reference with an el cheapo jumper. I found a killer deal on two pairs of used Cardas Golden Reference and biwiring really opened up the sound. Still running the GRs on my Thiels which are now configured for biwiring. Replacing the OEM hookup wiring in the Thiels to Cardas nicely snapped the sonic picture into focus. I strongly recommend Cardas but AQ is also a good choice.

No, I have decided to keep it for now.  I really want the Vandy amps, but can't afford them right now. Would then need to also get a new pre, lol.  
helomech OP
1,677 posts
 
Update: I ended up purchasing a brand new pair of 2CE Sig IIs. The dealer received them just this week, so they should be the latest and greatest iteration. Luckily, I was able to negotiate a price based on the $2700 MSRP (Vandy now lists them at $2999, and at least one dealer is asking even more (?)). 
Now I'm impatiently awaiting their arrival. 

I almost went for 3A Sigs, however, I'll likely be moving in the near future and my system could end up in a smaller space, so had to take that into consideration. 

Also bought some AQ Type-4 cable per  the recommendations here. I plan to terminate it with the standard 1/4" AQ spades for now. I just question how well they'll crimp onto those rather small-gauge wires. I suppose I'll have to reinforce the crimp with some solder. 












2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,576 posts
 
To the OP- I think you made a wise decision getting the 2CE Sig II’s. I bought a pair of these some 6 years ago and had listened for about 30-60 days to as many speakers I could find in that price range. I bought Analysis Plus Brown bi-wire cables and paid strict attention to proper setup. Also I had learned that although the speakers are forgiving in whatever quality level of electronics you feed them, they DO reward you with better sound if you step up source, preamp and amp quality. For affordable speakers they can be quite impressive. To add bottom end, one can add a good sub or two, although I have not done that. Enjoy... you really picked a great speaker and Richard is a great designer/engineer. The Quatro would be my next change in speakers but I need to hit the Mega-millions lottery first. Haha
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
helomech,

Good choice! I've heard the most recent versions of the 2CE Sig II's, and they are definitely the best yet. Adding a Vandy sub (if you're so inclined) makes for a unbeatable combination.
helomech OP
1,677 posts
 
Good choice! I've heard the most recent versions of the 2CE Sig II's, and they are definitely the best yet. Adding a Vandy sub (if you're so inclined) makes for a unbeatable combination.
Thanks. I already have two Golden Ear subs that allow high-pass crossover. I'll try running them full-range first. 
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